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​It’s a Girl!Congratulations to Sedra and Kathryn Razafinamanina. Their baby girl, Hephzibah Jewel, was born on Monday evening, Sept. 25. She was 6 lbs. 10 oz.

Living Out Your FaithThe Apostle Paul has great encouragement for us in his letter to the Philippians. He expresses great confidence in us. Not because we are so good, but because God is so good. “I am confident of this, that the One who began a good work in you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” What is God doing in your life? What is he healing or making new in you? How are your thoughts and actions more like Christ? This October our Sunday sermons will draw upon Paul's work in Philippians.Oct. 1 - Your Faith ‘work out’ Philippians 2Oct. 8 - Knowing Christ Philippians 3Oct. 15 - Don’t worry. Pray! Philippians 4

Cantata - Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PMIt’s that time of year again! Choir is starting to rehearse this year’s Cantata for December. Consider joining us even if you are not a regular member. Come, sing a new song to the Lord for Advent season.

New Picture Directoryis in the Making A team is working to make a Paper Picture Directory and it will be available as soon as possible. We’re taking family pictures of those wanting to be in the directory. Now through October 8th, cameras will be ready to take your picture during Fellowship and after Second Service. For more information see Jeanette Gould, Dick Cole or Chris Cooper.

Church Fall WorkdayThank you to all those who joined us for our “Fall Workday”. We were able to do several outdoor projects in preparation for winter!

Fair Trade Products - October 1Coffee, tea, hot chocolate mix and chocolate will be sold between services! Please come and check it out! The money for the products sold goes directly to Lutheran World Relief’s support of Fair Trade products. For questions or if you would like to order something and you can’t make church that Sunday please be in touch with Lisa Simms.

Our New Courtyard Please be sure to visit our beautiful new courtyard area on the west side of the church. Bill & Mary Montie, with the help of many others, have been working hard to make it a space for us to delight in the Lord. In addition to several new plants and flowers, it has a path, table and chairs to enjoy. Thank you all who have contributed to this project!

BFLC Book GroupIn October we'll be reading Standing in the Rainbow by Fanny FlaggDiscussion on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 1:00 PMAlong with Neighbor Dorothy, the lady with the smile in her voice, whose daily radio broadcasts keep us delightfully informed on all the local news, we also meet Bobby, her tenyear-old son, destined to live a thousand lives, most of them in his imagination; Norma and Macky Warren and their ninety-eight-year-old Aunt Elner; the oddly sexy and charismatic Hamm Sparks and the two women who love him as differently as night and day. Then there is Tot Whooten; Beatrice Woods, the Little Blind Songbird; Cecil Figgs, the Funeral King; and the fabulous Minnie Oatman. The time is 1946 until the present. The town is Elmwood Springs, Missouri, right in the middle of the country, in the midst of the mostly joyous transition from war to peace, aiming toward a dizzyingly bright future.

All are welcome to join us at the church for discussion and refreshments. Copies of the book on loan from the Pikes Peak Library District Book Club Collection are available in the church office to be signed out.

Book Stew 2018The Book Stew is scheduled for January 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, 2018. If you would like to donate books we will be collecting them in the Fellowship Hall starting December 10th. This year's proceeds will be donated to Springs Rescue Mission. Thank you for your continued donations and support.

November - Date to be determined - (after Thanksgiving weekend)Lunch At the Broadmoor Hotel, enjoy the Christmas Decorations and visit the Carriage Museum

DecemberWe will visit GEORGETOWN'S 57th Annual Christmas Market which will be held the first two weekends in December. We will enjoy the town's festivities, which start off at noon, and perhaps make an early dinner reservation at some place on our way home. Give it some thought and check your calendar.

Relief for Those Affected by Storms/Fires This SummerWe have all seen and heard about the devastating hurricanes and fires across the U.S. this summer. Here are a few ways we recommend helping:Donations for the victims of Hurricane Harvey can be made via the North American Lutheran Church's (NALC) website at https://www.thenalc.org/projects/hurricane-harvey/.Thrivent members can make donations via Thrivent at: https://www.thrivent.com/. In some cases, Thrivent may match your gifts.The NALC also has a 'Disaster Response Fund' for domestic disasters which you can contribute to on-line at https://thenalc.org/nalc-disaster-response/. Click on the ‘Disaster Response Fund link to donate.The Social Ministry Committee asks that you please keep the victims of these disasters in your prayers and that God aides the relief workers.

2017 Stewardship Drive - October 22 - November 12.“Live Simply – Being the Arm of the Lord” This year’s Stewardship Drive focuses on how we can simply be good stewards by being the “Arm of the Lord”. It doesn’t take huge efforts to help others and spread the love of Jesus. At the four Sundays, you will hear how several members reach out to others and share God’s love and care. You will be asked to ponder and pray about: How can I be the arm of the Lord? How will I serve God today? What talents can I use for God? What does God want me to be? Also, watch “The Estimate of Giving Tree” blossom in the narthex as estimates are submitted for the 2018 budget. Will we surpass 2016’s 88 submissions???

BFLC’s Mini FairAs you plan your Christmas shopping, keep our mini fair in mind. BFLC’s mini fair has been scheduled for Sunday, November 12 between services. The following items will be available for purchase: Olive wood from the Holy Land Jewelry, aprons, scarves, & handbags from Uganda, a variety of Fair Trade items through Lutheran World Relief, 18” hand made doll clothes

All sales go toward the Zoughbi scholarships. We can take checks, but are not able to process charge cards. Remember, by purchasing these gifts, you give a great gift in addition to improving a life! Invite your friends for worship, to share a donut and then shop!

Christmas Tea Workshop - Saturday, October 18, 9:00 AMBring scissors.

Mark Your Calendar! Christmas Tea is Saturday, December 2 at 10:00 AM

Thanksgiving Eve Worship - Wednesday, November 22 at 7:00 PM

Thanksgiving Food Drive We will have our traditional food offering for Black Forest Cares. All items are appreciated for a turkey dinner.

The church office will be closed Nov. 23 & 24.

Bible Journaling - Date TBD, 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. A new approach to Devotional time . . . Coloring at its best . . . No need to be artistic . . . this is another way to explore God’s Word. Be with other gals . . .teenagers too (Kirsten and Madison love it!) All you need to get started is to consider your favorite Bible verse or a verse that has special meaning to you and ask how the Lord may have you express it through coloring/journaling. It allows you to show off that verse so it stands out and makes it easier to remember. You’ll be surprised what He sometimes reveals!!! You can rediscover God’s Word through journaling in your own Bible, purchase the Inspire journaling Bible at Mardels, or separately on a blank sheet of paper – whatever you would like! Join Lisa Regennitter in this opportunity to combine fun, fellowship, and Bible exploration in one activity.

Box Tops SupportEducationBox Tops for Education (BTFE) started by General Mills in 1996, has a simple premise: Purchase a product with the BTFE logo, clip the box top and bring it to BFLC. There is a drawer marked for Box Tops in Fellowship Hall under the bulletin board. We then give them to Wolford Elementary School. In return, the school receives 10 cents for every box top! NOTE: To date, Box Tops has contributed $840 million to more than 70,000 American schools. Let’s fill that drawer!

Special Ad-Hoc CommitteeFormed by Council Your Church Council wants to make you aware that it has formed an ad-hoc committee of congregation members to conduct a special study. The purpose of the study is to consider our mission and who we are as a congregation and then to make proposals regarding our mission statement and our future direction. During this study, they will seek God’s will for this congregation as we continually work to be disciples of Jesus. We anticipate having some recommendations for the congregation to consider in December with a vote at the next annual meeting in January. The eleven members of the committee are: Laura Cavanaugh, Tiffanee Greenwood, Jay Guhlke, Tom and Tara Gustin, Misty Hopp, Jim Kent, Tracy Kosman, Maureen Lang, Steve Lord (team facilitator), and Lisa Simms.Please keep this committee in your prayers and look for additional updates in the coming months. Questions may be directed to Steve Lord or David Reily (council liaison to the committee).

MOPS (Mothers-of-Preschoolers) is meeting every other Friday in the fellowship hall.Friday, October 13 at 10:00 AM is our next get together. Come and see how we can support each other as we navigate motherhood.

Senior Social October 25, 1:00 PMJoin us for our monthly get together to socialize, play dominoes, or do crafts. There is no obligation to participate in the games. Individuals bring their own crafts to work on. Others use the opportunity to just sit and talk. Light snacks are provided.

Special Thanks​I would like to thank you for your love and care for me after my recent surgery.May God bless each of you,Lydia Zelones

Dear BFLC,Thank you for your donation of $1,000 to Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity.Kristina MedinaExecutive Director

Dear Friends,What a blessing! We enjoyed visiting your church. Thank you so much for your donation of $600.Kay Owens-LarsonCrossroads Ministries USA

Dear BFLC,Thank you for your Generous Donation of $500 to SCTF for the Prevention and Intervention of Gang Involvement in El Paso County.Lisa MedinaSecond Chance Through Faith

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ Jesus,Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. Locally, domestically and globally-your faithful witness to the Gospel blesses us personally and as the NALC. Most recently-your incredible generosity benefitting the Great commission Society will and is changing lives. Thank you! Please know you all will remain in our prayers. NALC

Dear Member of BFLC,On behalf of LMVFM I would like to thank you for your donation of $121.63 to our ministry.Chaplain Leslie Haines​Lutheran Military Veterans & Families Ministries, Inc.

​Eddy Perez here Sunday, Sept. 24 I just spoke to Eddy Perez, our mission partner in Miami. They have weathered Hurricane Irma and they are all right. Even his 97 year old grandmother is fine. He thanks you for your prayers during this storm. Now the massive cleanup begins. Eddy will be with us next Sunday, Sept. 24. Come hear how the Lord brought him to faith in a most unlikely place, communist Cuba.

Like the winds of last week, the spirit of the Lord blew in his life, shaping this new medical doctor into a disciple of Jesus Christ. After escaping from Cuba, Eddy came to Miami, Florida and became a pastor. He serves San Pedro Lutheran Church and has a Christian radio program that reaches Spanish speaking people in the US and Cuba.

Pick up a copy of Eddy’s book, ‘The Blowing Wind’ in the narthex. Share it with a friend or neighbor and discuss the questions. Eddy will be sharing in many activities during his visit, including Men’s Bible Study on Saturday, September 23 (7:00 AM), worship and between services , and youth group on Sunday.

Sedra is LeavingSedra’s last Sunday is Oct. 1. He is leaving to take a new job. Read his thoughtful letter below.

Dear Pastor Ken, the Church Council and Church Family,Grace and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ to you all, I am saddened to resign my role as the Youth and Education Director of Black Forest Lutheran Church, yet encouraged that the Lord is faithful to us all. BFLC is the only congregation, second to the one in Madagascar, which I have ever called home since my arrival in the United States of America in 2008. During the nearly 5 years as a member and 4.5 as the Youth and Education Director, I have come to know, respect and love every child, teenager, and adult at BFLC. All of you have become my family and a testament of our Lord’s promise of support, comfort and provision in Mark 10:29-30. My family and I are excited to serve the Lord, and eager to trust in Him as we move forward to lead another ministry at a local congregation. I have prayed and sought God’s wisdom for months and even more fervently in the days leading to writing this letter to you. Thank you for the honor you gave me to serve the BFLC family for these past 4.5 years. Parents, thank you for welcoming me in your lives and for allowing me to minister to your children and youth. I thought I was going to impact your kiddos, but without a surprise, they have impacted me more through their raw wonder about Jesus, their genuine acceptance, and especially their presence at the various events and meetings. Ministry partners, to include Pastor, Youth and Education Team Members, Sunday School Teachers and Helpers, Administrative Assistant, Support Coordinator, Adult Small Group Leaders, Council Members, Adult Youth Group Helpers, and all the Members of BFLC, I affirm you for your support, prayers, time, energy, gifts and talents that you poured out into the ministries that I had the opportunity to oversee. Thank you! Children and youth, I love you all and will continue to do so. What an amazing life experience it is to love and serve the Lord God and all of His people alongside all of you at Black Forest Lutheran Church! I believe that I have grown tremendously in my faith walk and professionally while among you. Thank you for impacting me. I will miss all of you. Let’s continue to trust in Jesus!

With love and gratitude,Andriamaholy Sedra Fitahiana Razafinimanana

ChoirWe are inviting you to join us! We sing a approximately twice a month at alternating worship times. Choir practice is on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. Contact Melanie Hohag.

Church Workday Saturday, September 23 at 8:30 AMJoin us for a fall workday to keep our church and grounds looking beautiful! Please, bring gloves, rakes, and wheelbarrows.

​A New Picture Directory is in the MakingA team is working to make a paper picture directory and it will be available as soon as possible. We’re taking family pictures of those wanting to be in the directory. Now through October 8th, cameras will be ready to take your picture during Fellowship and after Second Service. For more information see Jeanette Gould, Dick Cole or Chris Cooper.

Handbells are ringing!Practices have resumed on Monday evenings at 7:00 PM. As there will be several open slots this fall, former ringers who miss making that "joyful noise to the LORD" are encouraged to join us. If you are interested, please contact Bill Fitzpatrick or the church office.

Baking with a Purpose!Calling all bakers in the congregation to join the youth for ‘Baking with a Purpose’ Saturday, September 30 from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM, followed by a bake sale October 1! Proceeds will bless the orphans, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, whom our Missionary Didi Panzo serves!

September Book ClubWe will meet at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, September 20th in the Fellowship Hall for discussion and refreshments. Everyone is welcome, as always, to join us in reading and discussing this book.

Join us for our new lecture series - The Lives of Great Christians It consists of 24 30-minute lectures beginning with the title "What Makes a Great Christian?", ending with "Defining the Christian Life" and in between telling stories ranging from Paul and the first Christian Missionaries, through the ages to include Augustine, Francis of Assisi, Martin Luther and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, with many names less well known to most of us. We will meet every Tuesday from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a sack lunch and watch two lectures each session with discussion. Contact: Nancy Lord

Join the Men’s Bible Study with Eddy Perez on Saturday, September 23 at 7:00 AM.

MS Mission Trip to Alamosa, CO - October 6-8 Please check with Sedra or the office for details! Come and participate in this meaningful, fun, faith growing introductory mission trip. We will serve the people in the poorest county of the state of Colorado. We will conclude the trip with a getaway to the Great Sand Dunes. Please sign-up! Cost: $50

Sundays in OctoberFair Trade Products - October 1Coffee, tea, hot chocolate mix and chocolate will be sold between services! Please come and check it out! The money for the products sold goes directly to Lutheran World Relief’s support of Fair Trade products. For questions or if you would like to order something and you can’t make church that Sunday please be in touch with Lisa Simms.

Confirmation Sunday - October 15 during the 10:30 AM service. Please celebrate with new class of confirmands between services, in the fellowship hall.

New Member Reception​ - October 22 - between services.

Stewardship Drive begins.

Travel Group Calendar of EventsSeptember Sunday - September 17th, 2:00 PM. Next Get-to-gether at Avelyn & Dick's home Please bring a food or beverage item to share.Tuesday & Wednesday - September 19th & 20th Overnight trip - Tours and Visit to Estes ParkOctoberTuesday - October 10th Glen Eyrie Castle Tour ($9 per person paid ahead to Nancy Storey) Lunch @ Marigold's Restaurant following tourNovember Date to be determined - (after Thanksgiving weekend) Lunch At the Broadmoor Hotel, enjoy the Christmas Decorations and visit the Carriage MuseumDecember We will visit GEORGETOWN'S 57th Annual Christmas Market which will be held the first two weekends in December. We will enjoy the town's festivities, which start off at noon, and perhaps make an early dinner reservation at some place on our way home. Give it some thought and check your calendar.

Relief for Those Affected by Storms/Fires This Summer We have all seen and heard about the devastating hurricanes and fires across the U.S. this summer. Here are a few ways we recommend helping: Donations for the victims of Hurricane Harvey can be made via the North American Lutheran Church's (NALC) website at https:// www.thenalc.org/projects/hurricane-harvey/. Thrivent members can make donations via Thrivent at: https://www.thrivent.com/. In some cases, Thrivent may match your gifts. The NALC also has a 'Disaster Response Fund' for domestic disasters which you can contribute to on-line at https://thenalc.org/nalc-disasterresponse/. Click on the ‘Disaster Response Fund link to donate.

The Social Ministry Committee asks that you please keep the victims of these disasters in your prayers and that God aides the relief workers.

Luther on Marriage & Family - New Sunday Class at 9:30 AM One of the most important aspects of the Lutheran Reformation was its emphasis on the calling of the everyday Christian. At a time when being a monk or a pastor were thought of as the only genuine way to live one’s life for the Lord, Luther spoke of the Christian life as something all believers live through faith. One of the most important vocations in which many of us serve is in the area of marriage and families—as husbands and wives, parents and children, and members of the extended Christian community.

This six-session Bible study focuses on these important themes, based on foundational texts from Scripture. The study also draws from the real-life experiences of Martin and Katie Luther, who were not only husband and wife, but the parents of several children. Included are excerpts from Luther’s personal writings to family and friends as they faced the good and bad that come in everyday living, sustained through the struggles and joys we all have through faith in Christ. The discussion questions focus participates’ attention on God’s Word, making direct application to our present lives of faith.

Listen to LutherI Wait for the Lord. Psalm 130:5 There are some people who want to show God the goal and to determine the time and the manner and at the same time suggest how they wish to be helped; and if things do not turn out as they wish, they become fainthearted, or, if they can, they seek help elsewhere. They do not wait upon to help them in the way they have planned. But those who truly wait upon God ask for grace, and they leave it free to God’s good pleasure how, where, and by what means He shall help them. They do not despair of help yet they do not give it a name. They rather leave it to God to baptize and name it, however long it may be delayed. - Martin Luther

Leaf Peeping - Wednesday, September 27 at 10:00 AMWe are going to take the van for a ride into the mountains to see the aspens changing colors and have lunch.

Bible Journaling Thursday, September 28 At 6:30 PMJoin us in the Fellowship hall for a new approach to devotion time - Coloring at its best. No need to be artistic. This is another way to explore God’s Word. Be with other gals and teenagers too (Kirsten and Madison love it!) All you need to get started is to consider your favorite Bible verse or a verse that has special meaning to you and ask how the Lord may have you express it through coloring/journaling. It allows you to show off that verse so it stands out and makes it easier to remember. You’ll be surprised what He sometimes reveals!!! You can rediscover God’s Word through journaling in your own Bible, purchase the Inspire journaling Bible at Mardels, or separately on a blank sheet of paper – whatever you would like! Join Lisa Regennitter in this opportunity to combine fun, fellowship, and Bible exploration in one activity.

Special Ad-Hoc Committee FormedYour Church Council wants to make you aware that it has formed an ad-hoc committee of congregation members to conduct a special study. The purpose of the study is to consider our mission and who we are as a congregation and then to make proposals regarding our mission statement and our future direction. During this study, they will seek God’s will for this congregation as we continually work to be disciples of Jesus. We anticipate having some recommendations for the congregation to consider in December with a vote at the next annual meeting in January. The eleven members of the committee are: Laura Cavanaugh, Tiffanee Greenwood, Jay Guhlke, Tom and Tara Gustin, Misty Hopp, Jim Kent, Tracy Kosman, Maureen Lang, Steve Lord (team facilitator), and Lisa Simms. Please keep this committee in your prayers and look for additional updates in the coming months. Questions may be directed to Steve Lord or David Reily (council liaison to the committee).

Our New CourtyardPlease, be sure to visit our beautiful new courtyard area on the west side of the church. Bill & Mary Montie, with the help of many others, have been working hard to make it a space for us to delight in the Lord. In addition to several new plants and flowers, it has a path, table and chairs to enjoy. Thank you all who have contributed to this project!

October Events Schedule1 - Coffee and Bake Sale6-8 - MS Mission Trip25 - Senior Social at 1:00 PMJoin us for our monthly get together to socialize, play dominoes, or do crafts. There is no obligation to participate in the games. Individuals bring their own crafts to work on. Others use the opportunity to just sit and talk. Light snacks are provided.

Healing Prayer Here at BFLC we invite people to take the opportunity to be individually prayed for, within the liturgy of Holy Communion. Why do we offer healing prayer? Having received the bread and the wine and experienced the Real Presence of Jesus (Martin Luther’s words), we are nourished in our relationship with, the Lord. We can then respond to Jesus’ invitation to “come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28). If you choose to receive healing prayer, the prayer minister will lay hands on your head or shoulder, and pray for you in a general blessing or specific request. In this way we answer the call to “pray for each other so that you may be healed.’ (James 5:16). See you at the cross.

Family Resources: Sparks FamilyFitting family faith into everyday life: This resource is available for pick up! Please take one for your family and use them during the week to strengthen the lesson learned at Sunday School and to bond your family together in faith. Also, check out www.holyfamilytime.com, www.faith5.org, www.faithwebbing.com for more resources for growing in faith in your household. Please check with the office for more information.